May 25/10 10:33 am - Test of Metal Weekend Keeps Getting Better

Posted by Editoress on 05/25/10

It sounds like the set-up for a bad joke: What do you have when you put more than 800 mountain bikers and over 200 bagpipers in one place. The punch-line this year is the 2010 North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal. For the first time, the B.C. Legion Annual Highland Gathering is happening in Squamish on the Test of Metal weekend, Saturday, June 19th, leading Test of Metal organizers to call it the largest gathering of mountain bikers and bagpipers ever.

“When we heard that the Highland Gathering was happening, we just knew that we had to partner with the Black Tusk Caledonia Pipe Band who is hosting the event,” said Cliff Miller, Test of Metal race director. The pipe bands will officially open both the Test of Metal and the Annual Highland Gathering at 11 a.m. at Brennan Park Leisure Centre.

“As soon as the starting gun goes off for the Test of Metal contestants, the 200-man pipe band will start to play Scotland the Brave until all of the contestants go,” said Luc LeBlanc, Major Officer of the Black Tusk Caledonia Pipe Band. The pipers are just one element in what promises to be another fun-filled Test of Metal weekend.

The events start Friday afternoon at 3:30 with the Republic Bike Show 'n Shine Slow ride from Brackendale to downtown.

The Test of Metal pre-party, on Cleveland Ave. in downtown Squamish on Friday evening, keeps the vibe going. This family friendly event has become a favourite part of the weekend with free entertainment and activities for all ages. On Sunday, the ever-popular Mini-Metal, hosted by Corsa Cycles, takes place at the Station Square Mall. Last year more than 200 up-andcoming riders aged from 3 to 10 years old

participated while their parents ate a pancake breakfast hosted by the Squamish Lions Club. Sunday afternoon, the gurus of granite hit the slabs in Valleycliffe for Tantalus Bike Shop's Rockstar Invitational Downhill. Each year

Squamish's best downhillers compete for bragging rights and hundreds of people line the course to watch these talented riders.

The Test of Metal is 67 kilometre mountain bike race is the most successful cross-country mountain bike in Canada and has sold out for the last 13 years.

The Test of Metal Inc. is a not-for-profit society run by volunteers, and any proceeds from the race are returned to the community through charitable donations. Since its inception, the Test of Metal has donated more than $135,000 to community organizations and events. More information about the Test of Metal weekend can be found at www.testofmetal.com